2013 US Youth Soccer Region III (South) Championships to be played as scheduled

2013 US Youth Soccer Region III (South) Championships to be played as scheduled

Online donations for the recovery efforts in Moore, Okla. are now open
Donations for tornado victims will be accepted at the event

FRISCO, Texas (May 29, 2013) — The US Youth Soccer Region III (South) Championships will be held as scheduled June 20-27 in Edmond, Okla.

"The US Youth Soccer community offers its thoughts and prayers to all those affected by the tornadoes in Moore, Okla. and the surrounding area," US Youth Soccer president John Sutter said. "The effort to assist those impacted by this tragedy is our first concern. Our Region and State Associations are providing support and contributions now. We plan to do more at the regional championships in June."

A moment of silence is planned at the Opening Ceremony in honor of the victims. The ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. on June 20 at Wantland Stadium on the campus of the University of Central Oklahoma. To assist the relief efforts, a designated area will be set aside for players, families and attendees to make donations to those affected by the tragedy. Items such as water bottles, canned foods and other useful supplies are recommended as donations.

In addition to the donation of goods, the Oklahoma Soccer Association has set up an account to accept monetary donations that will be used to aid relief efforts. You can make a donation using the following methods:

More information is available on the Oklahoma Soccer Association web page at www.oksoccer.com.

"Youth soccer is about more than just the game," said Oklahoma Soccer Association president Tom Wedding. "Our community cares about the children and the families who allow us to serve them. We are grateful for the outpouring of support from our youth soccer families, clubs and State Associations across the country. These donations will be used to help those who are suffering from this tragedy."

The regional championships, hosted by the City of Edmond and the Oklahoma Soccer Association, are expected to draw more than 3,600 players, an estimated 12,000 spectators and $8 million dollars in economic impact to the area.

The Region III Championships consist of US Youth Soccer State Champions from 12 states, including the host Oklahoma Soccer Association, wildcard entries as well as US Youth Soccer Southern Premier League teams. The regional championships are the second leg of the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series.

The tournament will attract more than 200 boys and girls teams, ages Under-13 through Under-19, from the 12 State Associations that make up US Youth Soccer Region III (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Texas, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Texas and Tennessee).